Golf Club And Golf Club Head Structures Having Nano Coating

ABSTRACT

Golf club and golf club head structures having a nano coating are presented. In some examples, the golf club heads may be formed of two or more parts. The two or more parts or portions may be formed of different materials or materials having different weights or densities to manipulate the center of gravity of the club head, overall weight of the club head, etc. The two or more parts of the golf club head may be covered with a nano coating to provide the appearance of a uniform, one-piece golf club head. In some examples, all or substantially all of the golf club head may be covered with the nano coating.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/526,335 filed on Aug. 23, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf clubheads. Particular example aspects of this invention relate to a golfclub head having a nano coating covering all or substantially all of thegolf club head.

BACKGROUND

Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players—players of differentgenders and dramatically different ages and/or skill levels. Golf issomewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collectionsof players can play together in golf events, even in direct competitionwith one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes,in team formats, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition.These factors, together with the increased availability of golfprogramming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golfhistory, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golfsuperstars, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recentyears, both in the United States and across the world.

Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lowertheir golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.”Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to thesedemands, and in recent years, the industry has witnessed dramaticchanges and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range ofdifferent golf ball models now are available, with balls designed tocomplement specific swing speeds and/or other player characteristics orpreferences, e.g., with some balls designed to fly farther and/orstraighter; some designed to provide higher or flatter trajectories;some designed to provide more spin, control, and/or feel (particularlyaround the greens); some designed for faster or slower swing speeds;etc. A host of swing and/or teaching aids also are available on themarket that promise to help lower one's golf scores.

Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during play,the golf club also has been the subject of much technological researchand advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seenimprovements in golf club heads, shafts, and grips in recent years.Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in aneffort to better match the various elements of the golf club andcharacteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features orcharacteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch anglemeasurement technology, etc.).

As new materials are used in the manufacture of clubs, lowering thecenter of gravity is often a priority during golf club design. Inaddition, players have come to expect a certain profile and/orappearance associated with certain golf clubs. The use of differentmaterials in different parts or portions of the clubs would beadvantageous in manipulating the overall weight of the golf club head,as well as the center of gravity of the golf club head. However, thesedifferent materials may result in an irregular appearance for the golfclub head. Accordingly, a golf club having a low center of gravity whilemaintaining a traditional appearance would be advantageous to golfers atall levels of play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. The summary is not anextensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identifykey or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope ofthe invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts ofthe invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the descriptionbelow.

Aspects of this invention relate to golf club and golf club headstructures having a two-part or multi-part golf club head. Portions ofthe golf club head may be formed of materials different from otherportions of the golf club head in order to manipulate the overall weightof the golf club head, the center of gravity of the golf club head, etc.In some examples, the golf club head may include two portions, a lowerportion formed of a heavy or dense material and an upper portion formedof a lighter weight or less dense material than the lower portion. Thegolf club head (e.g., the upper portion and the lower portion) may thenbe covered with a nano coating to provide the appearance of a one-piecegolf club head or a golf club head formed of a single material. In someexamples, the nano coating may cover all or substantially all of thegolf club head. In some arrangements, the nano coating may be an outercoating that provides a uniform, one piece appearance for the golf clubhead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an example golf club having a multi-part golf club headaccording to at least some examples of this invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of an example two-part golf club headaccording to at least some examples of this invention.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an example multi-part golf club headaccording to at least some examples of this invention.

FIG. 3 is the two-part golf club head of FIG. 2A shown with the twoportions connected according to at least some examples of thisinvention.

FIG. 4A is a cross section of the example golf club head of FIG. 3 takenalong line 4-4 in FIG. 3 according to at least some aspects of thisinvention.

FIG. 4B is a cross section of the example golf club head of FIG. 3according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 3 having a nanocoating according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a golf club head having a nano coating and anadditional weighted member according to at least some aspects of thisinvention.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a golf club head having a nanocoating according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an example golf club head having a nanocoating according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate one example wood-type golf club head having anano coating according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 10 is an example hybrid-type golf club head having a nano coatingaccording to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a wood-type golf club head havinga nano coating according to at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 12A is an exploded view of a wood-type golf club head having acup-shaped portion and a rear portion according to at least some aspectsof this invention.

FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 12Ashowing a seam connecting cup-shaped portion and rear portion accordingto at least some aspects of this invention.

FIG. 12C is a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion of the golfclub head of FIG. 11A having a nano coating according to at least someaspects of this invention.

FIG. 12D is a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion of the golfclub head of FIG. 11A having a nano coating according to at least someaspects of this invention.

FIG. 12E a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 12Ahaving a nano coating according to at least some aspects of thisinvention.

The reader is advised that the various parts shown in these drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the accompanying figures disclose featuresof golf clubs and golf club head structures in accordance with examplesof the present invention.

I. General Description of Example Golf Clubs and Golf Club HeadsAccordance with this Invention

Aspects of this invention relate to golf club and golf club headstructures. In some examples, the golf club head may include a firstgolf club head body portion formed of a first material. The first golfclub head body portion may form a lower portion of the golf club headand may include a sole of the golf club head. The golf club head mayfurther include a second golf club head body portion formed of a secondmaterial, the second material being a lighter weight material than thefirst material. In some arrangements, the second golf club head bodyportion may form an upper portion of the golf club head body and may bepositioned vertically above and in contact with the first golf club headbody portion. The golf club head may further include a connector region.The connector region may include a first portion of a connectorconnected to the first golf club head body portion, and a second portionof the connector connected to the second golf club head body portion andconfigured to mate with the first portion of the connector. The golfclub head may further include a nano coating covering the golf club headincluding covering the first golf club head body portion and the secondgolf club head body portion. In some examples, the nano coating mayprovide an appearance of a one-piece golf club head or a golf club headformed of a single material.

In some arrangements, the second material may be a different type ofmaterial than the first material. Alternatively, the first material andthe second material may be the same type of material but the firstmaterial and the second material may have different material properties,such as weight, density, etc.

In some examples, the first portion of the connector may include agenerally planar upper surface of the first golf club head body portionand the second portion of the connector may include a generally planarlower surface of the second golf club head body portion. In at leastsome arrangements, the generally planar upper surface may be bonded tothe generally planar lower surface. In other examples, the first portionof the connector may include a plurality of protrusions extending upwardfrom a top surface of the first golf club head body portion and thesecond portion of the connector may include a plurality of recessesformed in a bottom surface of the second golf club head body portion.

In at least some examples, the golf club head may further include aweighted member. In some arrangements, the weighted member may be formedof third material different from first material and second material. Thenano coating covering the golf club head may also cover the weightedmember.

II. General Description of Example Methods of Manufacturing Golf Clubsand Golf Club Heads in Accordance with this Invention

At least some additional aspects of this invention relate to methods ofmanufacturing golf clubs and golf club heads. In some examples, themethod may include forming a first portion of a golf club head body of afirst material. In some aspects, the first portion of the golf club headbody may form a lower portion of the golf club head body and may includea first connector region on a top surface of the first portion of thegolf club head body. The method may further include forming a secondportion of the golf club head body of a second material different fromthe first material. In some examples, the second portion of the golfclub head body may form an upper portion of the golf club head body andmay include a second connector region formed in a bottom surface of thesecond portion and configured to mate with first connector region formedin the top surface of the first portion. At least some example methodsmay further include connecting the first portion of the golf club headbody to the second portion of the golf club head body via first andsecond connector regions. The method may further include coating thegolf club head body, including the first portion and the second portion,with a nano coating. In some arrangements, coating the golf club headbody with a nano coating provides an appearance of a golf club headformed of a single material.

In at least some aspects, the first material may have a greater weightthan the second material. In still other aspects, the first material mayhave a greater density than the second material. In at least someexamples, the first material and the second material may both bepolymers.

In some methods, forming the first portion of the golf club head bodyand forming the second portion of the golf club head body may includeforming the first portion and the second portion in a two-shot moldingprocess. In some example methods, connecting the first portion to thesecond portion may include bonding the first connector region to thesecond connector region, for instance, via the two-shot molding process.

Given the general description of various example aspects of theinvention provided above, more detailed descriptions of various specificexamples of golf clubs and golf club head structures, as well as methodsof manufacturing golf clubs and golf club head structures, according tothe invention are provided below.

III. Detailed Description of Example Golf Clubs and Golf Club HeadsAccording to the Invention

The following discussion and accompanying figures describe variousexample golf clubs and golf club head structures in accordance with thepresent invention. When the same reference number appears in more thanone drawing, that reference number is used consistently in thisspecification and the drawings to refer to the same or similar partsthroughout.

Various golf club heads in accordance with aspects described herein maybe used with various types of golf clubs. For instance, the nano-coatedgolf club head may be used with iron-type golf club heads, wedge-typegolf club heads, hybrid-type golf club heads, utility-type golf clubheads, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the nano-coated golfclub head may be used with wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads,e.g., clubs and club heads typically used for drivers and fairway woods,as well as for “wood-type” utility or hybrid clubs, or the like. Suchclub head structures may have little or no actual “wood” material andstill may be referred to conventionally in the art as “woods” (e.g.,“metal woods,” “fairway woods,” etc.).

Golf club heads may generally include a plurality of different regions,segments, portions, ends, etc. In an example embodiment, a golf clubhead may generally include a front face, a rear, a toe, a heel, a crownand a sole that may, generally, define an interior of the golf clubhead. The golf club heads may include a multiple piece construction andstructure, e.g., including one or more of a sole, a front face(optionally including a ball striking surface that may be integrallyformed therein or attached thereto), a top or crown, a bottom or sole, arear, etc. Of course, if desired, various portions of the club headstructure may be integrally formed with one another, as a unitary, onepiece construction, without departing from the invention (e.g., thefront face and/or rear may be integrally formed with the sole and/orcrown, etc.). Optionally, if desired, the various portions of the clubhead structure (such as the sole, the crown, the face, the rear, etc.)individually may be formed from multiple pieces of material withoutdeparting from this invention (e.g., a multi-piece crown, a multi-piecesole, etc.). Also, as other alternatives, if desired, the entire clubhead may be made as a single, one piece, unitary construction, or afront face may be attached to a one piece club head aft body(optionally, a hollow body, etc.). More specific examples and featuresof golf club heads and golf club structures according to this inventionwill be described in detail below in conjunction with the example golfclub structures illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example golf club 100 and/or golf clubhead 102 in accordance with this invention. In addition to the golf clubhead 102, the overall golf club structure 100 of this example includes ahosel 104, a shaft 106 received in and/or inserted into and/or throughthe hosel 104, and a grip or handle 108 attached to the shaft 106.Optionally, if desired, the external hosel 104 may be eliminated and theshaft 106 may be directly inserted into and/or otherwise attached to thehead 102 (e.g., through an opening provided in the top of the club head102, through an internal hosel (e.g., provided within an interiorchamber defined by the club head 102), etc.).

The shaft 106 may be received in, engaged with, and/or attached to theclub head 102 in any suitable or desired manner, including inconventional manners known and used in the art, without departing fromthe invention. As more specific examples, the shaft 106 may be engagedwith the club head 102 via the hosel 104 and/or directly to the clubhead structure 102, e.g., via adhesives, cements, welding, soldering,mechanical connectors (such as threads, retaining elements, or thelike), etc.; through a shaft-receiving sleeve or element extending intothe club head body 102; etc. The shaft 106 also may be made from anysuitable or desired materials, including conventional materials knownand used in the art, such as graphite based materials, composite orother non-metal materials, steel materials (including stainless steel),aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymeric materials,combinations of various materials, and the like. Also, the grip orhandle 108 may be attached to, engaged with, and/or extend from theshaft 106 in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventionalmanners known and used in the art, e.g., using adhesives or cements; viawelding, soldering, adhesives, or the like; via mechanical connectors(such as threads, retaining elements, etc.); etc. As another example, ifdesired, the grip or handle 108 may be integrally formed as a unitary,one-piece construction with the shaft 106. Additionally, any desiredgrip or handle materials may be used without departing from thisinvention, including, for example: rubber materials, leather materials,rubber or other materials including cord or other fabric materialembedded therein, polymeric materials, and the like.

The club head 102 itself also may be constructed in any suitable ordesired manner and/or from any suitable or desired materials withoutdeparting from this invention, including from conventional materialsand/or in conventional manners known and used in the art. For example,in the example structure 102 shown in FIG. 1, the club head 102 includesa first portion 102 a that may include a ball striking face (optionallyincluding a ball striking face plate integrally formed with the facemember 102 a or attached to club such that the face plate and a framemember together constitute the overall first portion 102 a). The clubhead 102 may also include a second portion 102 b or upper portion 102 barranged on top of (i.e., vertically above when the club is in aball-address position) the first portion 102 a. The second portion 102 bor upper portion 102 b and the first portion 102 a may be formed fromknown methods of manufacture, such as casting, forging, molding, etc.and the portions 102 a, 102 b may then be joined, as will be discussedmore fully below. In some examples, the first portion 102 a and thesecond portion 102 b may be formed together, such as using a two-shotmolding process. In some other examples, the first portion 102 a and thesecond portion 102 b may be formed using different manufacturingprocesses and/or different materials, as will be discussed more fullybelow. The club head may also include a crown or top 102 c and a sole orbottom 102 d. The crown 102 c and sole 102 d may be integrally formedwith one or more of first portion 102 a and second portion 102 b, or maybe separately formed and joined to the remaining club head members.

A wide variety of overall club head constructions are possible withoutdeparting from this invention. For example, if desired, some or all ofthe various individual parts of the club head 102 described above may bemade from multiple pieces that are connected together (e.g., by welding,adhesives, or other fusing techniques; by mechanical connectors; etc.).The various parts (e.g., first or lower portion, second or upperportion, etc.), may be made from any desired materials and combinationsof different materials, including materials that are conventionallyknown and used in the art, such as metal materials, includinglightweight metal materials, and the like. More specific examples ofsuitable lightweight metal materials include steel, titanium andtitanium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium and magnesiumalloys, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the various parts of theclub head may be formed of one or more polymer materials, compositematerials, etc. Suitable materials for use in each part of the golf clubhead will be discussed more fully below. As mentioned above, the firstportion 102 a and the second portion 102 b of the golf club head may beformed of different materials and may be joined together, or may beformed together using different material, as will be discussed herein.

The various individual parts that make up a club head structure 102, ifmade from multiple pieces, may be engaged with one another and/or heldtogether in any suitable or desired manner, including in conventionalmanners known and used in the art. For example, the various parts of theclub head structure 102, such as the first portion 102 a, the secondportion 102 b, etc., may be joined and/or fixed together (directly orindirectly through intermediate members) by adhesives, cements, welding,soldering, or other bonding or finishing techniques; by mechanicalconnectors (such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts, or other connectors);and the like. If desired, the mating edges of various parts of the clubhead structure 102 may include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges,protrusions, tongues or other engagement elements that fit into or ontocorresponding grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges, openings, recesses,receivers, or other structures provided in or on the facing side edge towhich it is joined. Cements, adhesives, mechanical connectors, finishingmaterial, or the like may be used in combination with the raisedrib/groove/ledge/edge or other connecting structures described above tofurther help secure the various parts of the club head structure 102together.

In some examples, a nano coating may cover the golf club head (includingthe first portion 102 a and the second portion 102 b) and may aid inconnecting the first portion 102 a to the second portion 102 b. Nanocoatings have been described as “liquid solids” composed of extremelysmall particles. The nano coatings may be extremely flexible, resistantto corrosion, abrasion or scratching, and may require substantially lesstime to cure than conventional coatings. For instance, some types ofnano coatings may be cured in 10 seconds or less, as opposed to 30minutes or more for various conventional coatings. The nano coating maybe applied to the golf club head using known methods of application,such as painting, spraying, etc.

Particularly suited are fine-grained high-strength pure metals or alloyscontaining one of Al, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Pt, Ti, W, Zn, and Zr; alloyscontaining at least two elements selected from Al, Cu, Ca, Ni, Fe, Mo,Pt, Ti, W and Zr; pure metals or alloys of Al, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Pt, Wand Zr, further containing at least one element selected from Ag, Au, B,C, Cr, Mo, Mn, P, S, Si, Pb, Pd, Rh, Ru, Sn, V and Zn; and optionallycontaining particulate additions such as metal powders, metal alloypowders and metal oxide powders of Ag, Al, Co, Cu, In, Mg, Mo, Ni, Si,Sn, Pt, Ti, V, W, Zn; nitrides of Al, B and Si; C (graphite, carbonfibers, carbon nanotubes or diamond); carbides of B, Cr, Bi, Si, W;ceramics, glasses and polymer materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP).

In particular, suitable nano coatings may include those having Ni, Fe,Zn, and Co particles. The nano coating may further comprises a mixtureof these particles.

The thickness of the applied coating may be any suitable thickness toachieve the desired look and properties of the coating. Suitablethicknesses range from 50 to 180 microns, for example 120 to 130microns. Further, the thickness could vary at different portions of theclub head.

Nano coatings per se are known. Integran Technologies, Inc., forexample, provides suitable nano coatings for various substrates.Suitable nano coatings, properties thereof, and methods of making nanocoatings may be found in several Integran patents, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,387,578 and 7,910,224, and published applications, forexample US 20110143159. Such patents and applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

As mentioned above, the nano coating may be an outer coating that mayprovide a uniform, one piece appearance for the golf club head. In somearrangements, the nano coating may provide the appearance of a golf clubhead made entirely of metal or another single material.

The nano coating covering all or substantially all of the golf club headmay affect the feel of the club during use. For instance, the nanocoating may provide a softer feel or a harder feel during a golf swingbased on the type of nano coating used (e.g., the type of particleswithin the nano coating). Thus, golf club designers may select a type ofnano coating based on the desired feel or performance characteristics ofthe golf club head. Further, the center of gravity, moment of inertia,flex point, swingweight, and the like may be manipulated through the useof a nano coating via selection of the materials of the nano coating aswell as strategic positioning of the coating.

The dimensions and/or other characteristics of a golf club headstructure according to examples of this invention may vary significantlywithout departing from the invention. Various additionalcharacteristics, features, etc. will be discussed more fully below. Inaddition, the nano coatings described above including types of particlesas well as properties of the coating may be applied in all furtheraspects and examples of this application.

As discussed above, a golf club head (e.g., club head 102) may be formedof multiple parts. In some examples, the golf club head 202 may beformed of two parts, a first or lower portion 202 a and a second orupper portion 202 b, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is an exploded view ofa two-part golf club head 202. The second portion 202 b may bepositioned vertically above and in contact with the first portion 202 a.In some examples, the second portion 202 b may be a portion of the golfclub head 202 that generally does not strike or contact a ball duringplay. For example, during play, a ball is generally struck with a lowerportion of the face of the golf club head. Accordingly, the upperportion may, in some instances, not contact the ball during play. Theportion that does not contact the ball may, in conventional golf clubheads, add unnecessary weight to a golf club head and shift the centerof gravity upward.

Although a two-part golf club head 202 is shown in FIG. 2A, more partsmay be used to form the golf club head without departing from theinvention. For instance, FIG. 2B illustrates one example golf club head252 having a three-part head. The three-part head 252 includes a lowerportion 252 a, an upper portion 252 b, and a middle portion 252 garranged between the lower portion 252 a and the upper portion 252 b.Various other arrangements may be used without departing from theinvention, and several additional arrangements will be discussed morefully below.

With further reference to FIG. 2A, the first portion 202 a may include afirst connector region 204. The second portion 202 b may include asecond connector region 203 configured to mate with the first connectorregion 204. In some examples, the first connector region 205 may be agenerally planar surface along a top surface of the first portion 202 a(see e.g., FIG. 7) and the second connector region 203 may be agenerally planar surface along a bottom surface of second portion 202 b(see e.g., FIG. 7). This arrangement will be discussed more fully below.

In other examples, the first connector region 205 may include one ormore protrusions 204 extending upward from the top surface of the firstportion 202 a. The number, size, shape, etc. of protrusions may vary.For instance, although the protrusions 204 are shown as being generallysquare or rectangular, the protrusions may be any desired shape or haveany desired cross-section, including circular, triangular, hexagonal,pentagonal, octagonal, and the like. Further, the protrusions may, insome arrangements be between between 0.1 and 0.3 inches high (e.g., atop surface of the protrusion may be between 0.1 and 0.3 inches from thetop surface of the first portion 202 a of the golf club head 200.

The protrusions 204 may be configured to mate with correspondingrecesses 206 formed in the connecting region 203 of the second portion202 b. The protrusions and recesses may aid in aligning the firstportion 202 a with the second portion 202 b, and may aid in connectingthe two portions 202 a, 202 b to form the club head 202. Although FIG.2A shows the first portion 202 a having protrusions 204 and the secondportion 202 b having recesses, an opposite arrangement may also be usedin which the first portion 202 a is includes a plurality of recesseswhile the second portion 202 b includes a plurality of protrusionsconfigured to mate with the recesses. In some examples, the protrusions204 and recesses 206 may provide a friction fit between first portion202 a and second portion 202 b. In other examples, the second portion202 b may be manufactured (e.g., molded, etc.) around the protrusions,thereby forming the recesses in the second portion 202 b and connectingor bonding the second portion 202 b to the first portion 202 a. Thesearrangements will be discussed more fully below.

In some examples, the first portion 202 a and the second portion 202 bmay be constructed of different materials having different materialproperties. For instance, the first portion 202 a may be formed of aheavier or denser material than the second portion 202 b. Thisarrangement may aid in shifting weight associated with the club head 202to a lower portion of the club head 202, thereby shifting the center ofgravity of the club head lower in the club head 202. This may aid inproviding improved loft, and other performance characteristics. In someexamples, the first portion 202 a may be formed of a high densitypolymer material, while the second portion 202 b may be formed of apolymer material having a lower density. In another arrangement, thefirst portion 202 a may be formed of a metal material, such as steel,aluminum, etc. while the second portion 202 b may be formed of a lighterweight material, such as a polymer. This two-part arrangement may resultin a club head having an irregular appearance due to the difference inmaterials used. Thus, the first portion 202 a and the second portion 202b may be visually perceptively different from one another. Accordingly,a nano coating may cover the golf club head or a portion thereof. Insome examples, the nano coating may cover all or substantially all ofthe golf club head (e.g., first portion, second portion, front, rear,sole, crown, etc.). The nano coating arrangement will be discussed morefully below.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example golf club head 202 of FIG. 2A with thefirst portion 202 a joined to the second portion 202 b. A seam 208formed between the first portion 202 a and the second portion 202 b isvisible and denotes where the two connector regions 203, 205 meet toform the golf club head 202. Although the two portions 202 a, 202 b areshown here connected via protrusions 204 and corresponding recesses,various other methods of joining the portions 202 a, 202 b of the golfclub head 202 may be used. For instance, various adhesives may be usedto join the two portions. Additionally or alternatively, the portionsmay be joined using screws or other fasteners. In still otherarrangements, a snap-fit type arrangement may be used in which tabs,lips, etc, may be used to connect the second portion 202 b to the firstportion 202 a. Further, the first portion 202 a may be bonded to thesecond portion 202 b during manufacture of the first portion 202 a andthe second portion 202 b.

FIG. 4A is a cross section of the golf club head 202 taken along line4-4 in FIG. 3. The top of protrusion 204 is shown. The two portions 202a, 202 b of the golf club head 202 are shown having differentcross-hatching to indicate that each portion is formed of a differentmaterial. As mentioned above, the lower portion 202 a may be formed of aheavier weight material, such as metal, high density polymer, etc. whilethe upper portion 202 b may be formed of a lighter weight material, suchas a lower density polymer, lighter weight metal, etc. FIG. 4B, across-section taken from a front view, also indicates differentcross-hatching in the first portion 202 a than the second portion 202 bto indicate a difference in materials used to construct each portion.The difference in cross-hatching may indicate different types ofmaterials (e.g., metal vs. polymer) or may indicate different types ofthe same material (e.g., high density polymer vs. lower densitypolymer).

As mentioned above, the use of different materials for the first portion202 a and the second portion 202 b may result in irregularities in theappearance of the golf club head 202. An observer could readily see thatthe golf club head had a multi-piece construction. Accordingly, a nanocoating may be used to cover the golf club head 202 in order to providea uniform appearance (i.e., the appearance of a one piece golf club heador a golf club head formed of a single material, especially a metalmaterial in an exemplary embodiment). Further, the nano coating mayprovide additional performance enhancements, as discussed above.

In some examples, the nano coating may cover all or substantially all ofthe golf club head. FIG. 5 is a front view of a golf club head 202 ofFIG. 3. The golf club head 202 may be formed of two or more parts formedof materials having different weights or densities, similar to thearrangements of FIGS. 2A-4B. A nano coating 310 extends over all orsubstantially all of the golf club head. For instance, the nano coating310 covers a front, rear, crown, sole, etc. of the golf club head. Thenano coating may provide an appearance of a single piece golf club head,such as a traditional forged golf club head, while providing the weightand performance advantages of the two-piece golf club head. Types ofnano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed andsuch discussion applies here as well.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a golf club head 402 having a nano coating 410.The golf club head 402 may be formed of two or more parts, as discussedabove, and may be substantially coated with a nano coating. In somearrangements, the entire golf club head 402 may be covered with the nanocoating, which may provide a uniform appearance for the golf club head402 (e.g., the golf club head 402 may appear to be made of a singlematerial).

The golf club head 402 in FIG. 6 may further include a weighted member420 arranged on a rear of the golf club head 402. For instance, the golfclub head 402 may have a weighted member 420 positioned in a cavity 430formed in the rear of the golf club head 402. The weighted member 420may further aid in shifting the center of gravity of the golf club head402 lower along the golf club head 402. In some examples, the weightedmember may be formed of a material different from one or more of thematerials used to form the portions of the golf club head. For example,the weighted member 420 may be formed of a metal alloy or a metal-filledpolymer, such as a tungsten-filled polymer. Alternatively, the weightedmember 420 may be formed of one of the material used to form the firstportion or second portion of the golf club head. In order to maintainthe uniform appearance of the golf club head, the weighted member 420may also be coated with the nano coating 410. Thus, the golf club head402 looks like a single, integral, metal iron-type golf club. Types ofnano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed andsuch discussion applies here as well.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head 502 similar to theclub head shown in FIG. 4B. The golf club head 502 includes a firstportion 502 a and a second portion 502 b positioned vertically above andin contact with the first portion 502 a. The first portion may include aconnector region, as discussed above. The first connector region 505 ofFIG. 7 is a generally planar top surface of the first portion 502 a andthe second connector region is a generally planar bottom surface of thesecond portion 502 b. The first connector region 505 and secondconnector region 503 form a seam between the top surface of the firstportion 502 a and the bottom surface of the upper portion 502 b. In someexamples, alternate connectors (e.g., protrusions, snap fits, etc.) maybe used. The seam, connectors, etc. of the connection regions 503, 505may be visible on the club head. Accordingly, the golf club head 502includes a nano coating 510 covering all or substantially all of thegolf club head 502. The nano coating 510 adds an additional layer to theclub head 502 and generally surrounds the golf club head 502. It isunderstood that the nano coated layer is not necessarily drawn to scalebut is shown in an exaggerated thickness for illustrative purposes.

In some examples, the golf club head 502 (or other golf club headsdiscussed herein) may be formed using one or more methods ofmanufacturing. For instance, in one arrangement, the two portions 502 a,502 b may be formed in a two-shot molding process, such as a two-shotinjection molding process. In this arrangement, the first portion 502 amay be formed of a first material, such as a high density polymermaterial, some metal materials, etc. The second portion 502 b may beformed of a second material having less density or being a lighterweight material than the first material of the first portion 502 a. Suchsuitable materials may include light weight or low density polymers.This two-shot molding process may bond the first portion 502 a to thesecond portion 502 b. This bond may maintain the position of the secondportion 502 b relative to the first portion 502 a without additionalconnectors. Alternatively, additional connectors, such as thosediscussed above, may be used. All or substantially all of the golf clubhead 502 may then be coated with the nano coating to provide a uniform,one-piece appearance for the golf club head 502.

In some other arrangements, the second portion 502 b may be formed afterthe first portion 502 a. For instance, the first portion 502 a may beformed using any known methods of forming a golf club head or portionthereof, such as forging, casting, molding, etc. As discussed above, thefirst portion 502 a may be formed of a first material, such as highdensity polymer materials, various metal materials, etc. The secondportion 502 b may be molded (e.g., injection molded, blow molded, etc.)onto the first portion 502 a. The second portion 502 b may be formed ofa second material different from the first material and may be formed ofa lighter weight material, such as a polymer. Once the second portionhas been formed, the golf club head 502 may be coated with the nanocoating. In some arrangements, the nano coating may aid in maintainingthe position of the second portion 502 b relative to the first portion502 a.

In some alternate examples, the second portion 502 b may be formedseparately from the first portion 502 a and may be joined to the firstportion 502 a using known methods of joining, such as screws or otherfasteners, adhesives, snap-fits, and the like. For instance, rather thanmolding the second portion 502 b around the first portion 502 a or usinga two-shot molding process to form the first portion 502 a and secondportion 502 b as discussed above, the second portion 502 b may be formedin a separate manufacturing process (e.g., molding, etc.) and thenjoined to the first portion 502 a. The club head 502 may then be coatedwith the nano coating 510.

The nano coating 510 provided on golf club head 502 may provide auniform, one-piece appearance for the golf club head 502. In someexamples, a seam may be visible on the golf club head where the firstportion 502 a meets the second portion 502 b. Further, because of thedifference in materials used to form the two portions 502 a, 502 b, thegolf club head 502 may have an irregular appearance. Accordingly,covering all or substantially all of the golf club head 502 with thenano coating 510 would provide an appearance of a one-piece golf clubhead or a golf club head formed of a single material and may mask theseam and different materials used. In some examples, the nano coatingmay provide an appearance of a conventional forged golf club head. Typesof nano coatings and properties thereof have been earlier discussed andsuch discussion applies here as well

FIG. 8 illustrates is a front view of the golf club head 502 of FIG. 7with the nano coating 510 visible. The connector regions 503, 505 (e.g.,protrusions 504, recessed 506) are shown in broken lines and are notvisible through the nano coating 510. Rather, nano coating 510 coversall or substantially all of the golf club head 502 and provides auniform, one piece appearance for the two piece golf club head 502. Thegolf club head 502 further includes grooves 530. In some arrangements,the grooves 530 may be formed in at least a portion of the first portion502 a and/or the second portion 502 b during manufacture of thoseportions 502 a, 502 b. The grooves 530 may then be coated with the nanocoating 510 as the rest of the club head 502 is coated. Alternatively,in some examples, the grooves 530 may be formed in the club head afterthe nano coating 510 has been applied. Types of nano coatings andproperties thereof have been earlier discussed and such discussionapplies here as well.

As mentioned above, the use of a polymer or light weight metal or othermaterial in an upper portion of a golf club head may reduce the overallweight associated with the golf club head and may also aid in shiftingthe center of gravity of the golf club head lower. The use of differentmaterials may allow club designers to manipulate various aspects of theclub (e.g., center of gravity, moment of inertia, etc) in order to varythe performance characteristics of the golf club. However, the use ofdifferent materials to form the golf club head may result in anirregular appearance for the golf club head. Accordingly, covering allor substantially all of the golf club head with a nano coating mayprovide a uniform, one piece metal appearance for a two-part ormulti-part golf club head.

As noted above, the nano coating covering all or substantially all ofthe golf club head may affect the feel of the club during use. Forinstance, the nano coating may provide a softer feel or a harder feelduring a golf swing based on the type of nano coating used (e.g., thetype of particles within the nano coating). Thus, golf club designersmay select a type of nano coating based on the desired feel orperformance characteristics of the golf club head.

Although the above description generally describes the use of nanocoating in covering two-part iron-type golf club heads, the arrangementsdescribed herein could be used with various other types of golf clubheads, including wedge-type golf club heads, wood-type golf club heads,hybrid-type golf club heads, and the like. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrateone example wood-type golf club head formed of multiple parts and havinga nano coating 610. The golf club 600 includes a golf club head 602, ashaft 606 connected to the golf club head 602 via a hosel 604, and agrip (not shown). The golf club head 602 is formed of multiple parts 602a-602 e. For instance, the golf club head 602 includes ball strikingsurface 602 a, frame 602 b, crown 602 c, sole 602 d, rear 602 e, toe 602f and heel 602 g. The golf club head 602 may include more or fewerportions without departing from the invention. Further, one or more ofthe ball striking surface 602 a, frame 602 b, crown 602 c, sole 602 d,rear 602 e, toe 602 f, and/or heel 602 g may be integrally formed withone or more other parts. The golf club head 602 portions may be formedof different materials, using different manufacturing processes, etc.,similar to the arrangements discussed above. For instance, the ballstriking surface 602 a and sole 602 d may be formed of metal materialsor higher density polymer materials, while the crown 602 c may be formedof a lighter weight material such as polymer. Alternatively, the rear602 e and crown may be formed of a polymer or other lightweight materialwhile the ball striking surface 602 a, frame 602 b and sole 602 d areformed of metal or higher density polymer materials. The variousportions may be connected using methods of connection known and/ordescribed herein. Various other arrangements and combinations ofmaterials may be used without departing from the invention.

Forming some portions of the golf club head 602 using differentmaterials may reduce the overall weight associated with the golf clubhead 602 and may aid in shifting the center of gravity lower on the golfclub head 602. However, the use of these different materials may resultin an irregular appearance for the golf club head. Accordingly, all orsubstantially all of the golf club head 602 may be covered with a nanocoating 610 to provide a uniform, one piece appearance for the golf clubhead, as discussed above. Types of nano coatings and properties thereofhave been earlier discussed and such discussion applies here as well.

FIG. 10 illustrates one example hybrid club 700 having a nano coating710 covering all or substantially all of the golf club head 702. Thehybrid club head 702 may be formed of one or more pieces, one or morematerials, etc., similar to the arrangements described above, in orderto manipulate the overall weight of the club, center of gravity of theclub head, etc. However, these various materials, etc. may result in anirregular appearance for the golf club head 702. Accordingly, the nanocoating 710 covers all or substantially all of the golf club head inorder to provide a uniform, one-piece appearance for the golf club head702. Types of nano coatings and properties thereof have been earlierdiscussed and such discussion applies here as well

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a wood-type golf club having anano coating. FIG. 11 discloses a golf club generally designated withthe reference numeral 800. The golf club 800 includes a golf club head802, a shaft 806 connected to the golf club head 802 via a hosel 804,and a grip (not shown). It is understood that in one exemplaryembodiment, the golf club head 802 may be formed of multiple parts. Forexample, the golf club head 802 may have a cup-faced portion connectedto a body portion. The golf club head 802 may also be made of a singlemember. It is understood that the golf club head may have a ballstriking surface 802 a, a frame 802 b, a crown 802 c, a sole 802 d, arear 802 e, a toe 802 f, and/or a heel 802 g, which parts may beintegrally formed with one or more other parts. The golf club head 802portions may be formed of different materials, using differentmanufacturing processes, etc., similar to the arrangements discussedabove. For example, it is understood that the golf club head 802 may beformed of a polymeric material or some other composite type material.The material may be considered moldable. As further shown in FIG. 11,the body 802 may include a floor portion 820 on the sole 802 d and aplurality of spines 822 extending toward the rear 802 e of the club head802. Recessed portions 824 are defined between the spines 822. It isunderstood that the golf club head 802 made from such polymeric orcomposite materials provides a lightweight construction. The variousportions of the club head 802 may be connected using methods ofconnection known and/or described herein. Various other arrangements andcombinations of materials may be used without departing from theinvention.

As further shown in FIG. 11, segments of the club head 802 may becovered with a nano coating 810 consistent with descriptions above. Inparticular, the ball striking surface 802 a, the floor portion 820 andthe spines 822 may be covered with the nano coating 810. It isunderstood that the nano coating 810 could be positioned along othersegments of the club head 802 as desired. The nano coating 810 is alsoplaced over the hosel 804. In one exemplary embodiment, the nano coating810 may have a thickness in the range of 2-10 thousands of an inch. Insuch configuration, the club head 802 appears to be constructedsignificantly from metal materials, but having a lighter weightconstruction due to use of the polymeric or composite materials. It isfurther understood that the club head 802 could be formed of variousshapes that define surfaces designed to support the nano coating 810thereon. In these embodiments, the club head 802 is considered to bemade from a lightweight material where a certain amount of weight isconsidered to be removed from the club head including the ball strikingsurface 802 a as desired. The nano coating 810 provides additionalstrength and high impact durability. Types of nano coatings andproperties thereof have been earlier discussed and such discussionapplies here as well

FIG. 12A shows an exploded view of a wood-type golf club 900 having agolf club head 902, the head 902 having a cup-faced portion 904 and rearportion 906. FIG. 12A shows one design but other designs arecontemplated. It is further understood that the cup-faced portion 904and the rear portion 906 could be made from the various components ofthe exemplary embodiments discussed herein. The cup-faced portion 904may be positioned horizontally adjacent to and in contact with the rearportion 906. The rear portion 906 is generally a portion of the golfclub head 902 that does not strike or contact a ball during play. Forexample, during play, a ball is generally struck with the striking face916 of the cup-shaped portion 904 of the golf club head 902. A hosel 912forms part of, or is connected to, cup-shaped portion 904.

With further reference to FIG. 12A, the cup-faced portion 904 mayinclude a first connector region 908. The cup-face portion 904 furtherdefines a hollow interior 914. The rear portion 906 may include a secondconnector region 910 configured to mate with the first connector region908. In some examples, the first connector region 908 may be a generallyplanar surface along a side surface of the cup-faced portion 904 and thesecond connector region 910 may be a generally planar surface along aside surface of rear portion 906. A lap joint may be used to connectcup-faced portion 904 with the rear portion 906.

In other examples, the first connector region 908 may include one ormore protrusions extending outwardly from the side surface of thecup-faced portion 904. Suitable protrusions are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B,and 3. The number, size, shape, etc. of protrusions may vary. Forinstance, although the protrusions in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 are shown asbeing generally square or rectangular, the protrusions may be anydesired shape or have any desired cross-section, including circular,triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, and the like. Further, theprotrusions may, in some arrangements be between between 0.1 and 0.3inches high (e.g., a top surface of the protrusion may be between 0.1and 0.3 inches from the side surface of the cup-faced portion 904 of thegolf club head 902.

The protrusions may be configured to mate with corresponding recessesformed in the connecting region 910 of the rear portion 906. Suchrecesses are shown and described for FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 and suchdiscussion is incorporated herein by reference. An opposite arrangementmay also be used in which the cup-faced portion 904 is includes aplurality of recesses while the rear portion 906 includes a plurality ofprotrusions configured to mate with the recesses. In some examples, theprotrusions and recesses may provide a friction fit between cup-facedportion 904 and rear portion 906. In other examples, the rear portion906 may be manufactured (e.g., molded, etc.) around the protrusions,thereby forming the recesses in the rear portion 906 and connecting orbonding the cup-faced portion 904 to the rear portion 906.

FIG. 12B shows a rear perspective plan view of golf club head 902showing where cup-faced portion 904 is joined to the rear portion 906. Aseam 918 formed between the cup-faced portion 904 and the rear portion906 is visible and denotes where the two connector regions 908, 910 inFIG. 12A meet to form the golf club head 902. It this case, the partsare joined by a lap joint. Other joints or fastening mechanisms known tothose skilled in the art are also contemplated.

As discussed above, the two portions 904, 906 may also be connected viaprotrusions. In addition, various adhesives may be used to join the twoportions. Additionally or alternatively, the portions may be joinedusing screws or other fasteners. In still other arrangements, a snap-fittype arrangement may be used in which tabs, lips, etc, may be used toconnect the rear portion 906 to the cup-faced portion 904. Further, thecup-faced portion 904 may be bonded to the body portion 906 duringmanufacture of the cup-faced portion 904 and the body portion 906.

FIG. 12C shows a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion 904 andhollow interior 914 of golf club head 902 of FIG. 12A. Nano coating 920is applied to all, or a portion of, the outside surface of thecup-shaped portion.

FIG. 12D shows a rear elevation view of the cup-shaped portion 904 andhollow interior 914 of golf club head 902 of FIG. 12A. Nano coating 920is applied to all, or a portion of, the outside surface of thecup-shaped portion 904 and nano coating 922 is applied to all, or aportion of, the inside surface of the cup-shaped portion 904. In certainembodiments, the ball striking face portion of the cup-shaped portion904 may have the nano coating applied thereon as well as at leastportions of the inner surface of the ball striking face portion withinthe cup-shaped portion.

FIG. 12E shows the rear perspective view of the golf club head 902 asdepicted in FIG. 12B wherein a nano coating 920 is applied to theoutside of golf club head 902. Although showing coating the entirety ofthe golf club head, the nano coating 920 may only be placed in portionsthereof as desired. The nano coating 920 may cover all or substantiallyall of the golf club head in order to provide a uniform, one-pieceappearance for the golf club head. The nano coating 920 may further bestrategically placed to provide additional strength and high impactdurability. Types of nano coatings and properties thereof have beenearlier discussed and such discussion applies here as well.

Other aspects of the invention include that the cup-faced member is aclosed body—e.g. an additional wall encloses the cup shape. This closedbody is then attached to the body portion by any suitable means.

The golf club head 902 may accommodate weight members capable of beingpositioned in multiple locations. For example, weight ports may beincluded to accept various weights depending on the desiredconfiguration. Further, in a multiple piece arrangement, such as a golfclub head having a cup-faced portion and a body portion, the weightports can be included in any combination of the multiple piecearrangement.

In addition to coating the club head, the nano coating may be applied toall or part of the shaft as well. For example, the shaft and club headmay be formed together such as being made from polymer, compositematerials etc. in a single, unibody construction. The nano coating maythen be applied to the entire golf club. This provides the ability tomanipulate properties of the entire golf club such as center of gravity,moment of inertia, flex point, swingweight, and the like.

As discussed, in certain exemplary embodiments, the golf club head mayhave a first portion and a second portion made from different materialsor materials having different densities. For example, in one exemplaryembodiment, the first portion may be made from a first material that isa dense material. A second portion may be made from a second materialthat is less dense than the first material. The first portion and thesecond portion may be connected or otherwise joined together to form thegolf club head. The portions cooperatively define a volume of the golfclub head. In one exemplary embodiment, the first portion that is moredense may constitute approximately 40% of the volume of the club head,and the second portion that is less dense may constitute approximately60% of the volume of the club head. In another exemplary embodiment, thefirst portion that is more dense may constitute approximately 30% of thevolume of the club head, and the second portion that is less dense mayconstitute approximately 70% of the volume of the club head. In certainembodiments, the first portion may be a metal material and the secondportion may be a polymer material although other materials may be usedbased on density properties.

The density of portions of the golf club head may be manipulateddepending on desired characteristics of the golf club head. For example,the center of the face may be formed of a high density materialcorresponding to the ball striking area whereas other aspects of thegolf club head would be formed of a low density material. The hosel maybe made of a low density material to allow higher density material inother areas but keep a balance of total weight of the golf club head.Such strategic placement of various density materials, such as tolocalize such materials, can allow manipulation of the center of gravityand/or ball speed, as well as other properties. Such manipulations mayaffect ball speed for example. The nano-coating may be applied to theentire overall surface area of the club head as discussed herein.

IV. CONCLUSION

The present invention is described above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of example structures, features,elements, and combinations of structures, features, and elements. Thepurpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of thevarious features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit thescope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat numerous variations and modifications may be made to theembodiments described above without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example, thevarious features and concepts described above in conjunction with FIGS.1 through 12 may be used individually and/or in any combination orsubcombination without departing from this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club head, comprising: a first golf clubhead body portion formed of a first material, the first golf club headbody portion forming a lower portion of the golf club head and includinga sole of the golf club head; a second golf club head body portionformed of a second material, the second material being a lighter weightmaterial than the first material, the second golf club head body portionforming an upper portion of the golf club head body and being positionedvertically above and in contact with the first golf club head bodyportion; a connector region including: a first portion of a connectorconnected to the first golf club head body portion, and a second portionof the connector connected to the second golf club head body portion andconfigured to mate with the first portion of the connector; and a nanocoating covering the golf club head including covering the first golfclub head body portion and the second golf club head body portion. 2.The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the second material is adifferent type of material than the first material.
 3. The golf clubhead of claim 1, the first material and the second material are the sametype of material and the first material has a higher density than thesecond material.
 4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the firstportion of the connector includes a generally planar upper surface ofthe first golf club head body portion and the second portion of theconnector includes a generally planar lower surface of the second golfclub head body portion.
 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein thegenerally planar upper surface is bonded to the generally planar lowersurface.
 6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first portion ofthe connector includes a plurality of protrusions extending upward froma top surface of the first golf club head body portion and the secondportion of the connector includes a plurality of recesses formed in abottom surface of the second golf club head body portion.
 7. The golfclub head of claim 1, wherein the nano coating covers substantially theentire golf club head.
 8. The golf club head of claim 1, furtherincluding a weighted member.
 9. The golf club head of claim 8, whereinthe weighted member is formed of third material different from firstmaterial and second material.
 10. The golf club head of claim 9, whereinthe nano coating covers weighted member.
 11. The golf club head of claim1, wherein the nano coating provides appearance of single piece golfclub head.
 12. A golf club head, comprising: a golf club head bodyhaving a first golf club head body portion formed of a first materialand a second golf club head body portion formed of a second materialdifferent from the first material; and a nano coating coveringsubstantially all of the first golf club head body portion and thesecond golf club head body portion to provide an appearance of a golfclub head formed of a single material.
 13. The golf club head of claim12, wherein the nano coating covers substantially all of a front, rear,crown and sole of the golf club head.
 14. The golf club head of claim13, wherein the first golf club head body portion is positionedvertically below the second golf club head body portion.
 15. The golfclub head of claim 12, wherein the first material is a higher densitymaterial than the second material.
 16. The golf club head of claim 15,wherein the first material is a polymer and the second material is apolymer.
 17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the polymer of thefirst material is different from the polymer of the second material. 18.The golf club head of claim 1, further including a weight memberconnected to first golf club head body portion and having the nanocoating covering the weight member.
 19. The golf club head of claim 1,wherein the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head.
 20. The golfclub head of claim 1, further including a shaft connected to the golfclub head to form a golf club.
 21. A method of forming a golf club head,comprising: forming a first portion of a golf club head body of a firstmaterial, the first portion of the golf club head body forming a lowerportion of the golf club head body and including a first connectorregion on a top surface of the first portion of the golf club head body;forming a second portion of the golf club head body of a second materialdifferent from the first material, the second portion of the golf clubhead body forming an upper portion of the golf club head body andincluding a second connector region formed in a bottom surface of thesecond portion and configured to mate with first connector region formedin the top surface of the first portion; connecting the first portion ofthe golf club head body to the second portion of the golf club head bodyvia first and second connector regions; and coating the golf club headbody, including the first portion and the second portion, with a nanocoating.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein coating the golf club headbody with a nano coating provides an appearance of a golf club headformed of a single material.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein coatingthe golf club head body with a nano coating provides an appearance of aforged golf club head.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the firstmaterial has a greater weight than the second material.
 25. The methodof claim 21, wherein the first material has a greater density than thesecond material.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the first materialand the second material are both polymers.
 27. The method of claim 21,wherein forming the first portion of the golf club head body and formingthe second portion of the golf club head body includes forming the firstportion and the second portion in a two-shot molding process.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, wherein connecting the first portion to the secondportion includes bonding the first connector region to the secondconnector region.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein bonding the firstconnector region to the second connector region is performed during thetwo-shot molding process.
 30. The method of claim 21, wherein connectingthe first portion to the second portion includes positioning secondportion vertically above the first portion and positioning the firstconnector region in contact with the second connector region.
 31. Themethod of claim 21, further including forming a weighted member andconnecting the weighted member to the first portion of the golf clubhead body.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein coating the golf clubhead body with the nano coating includes coating the weighted memberwith the nano coating.
 33. The method of claim 21, further includingconnecting the golf club head to a shaft to form a golf club.
 34. Amethod of forming a golf club, comprising: forming a golf club headbody, forming the golf club head body including: forming a first golfclub head body portion of a first material; and forming a second golfclub head body portion of a second material different from the firstmaterial, the second golf club head body portion being vertically aboveand in contact with the first golf club head body portion; coating thesubstantially all of the golf club head body with a nano coating; andconnecting the coated golf club head body to a shaft.
 35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the first material and the second material are thesame type of material but have different material properties.
 36. Themethod of claim 34, wherein the first material and the second materialare different types of material.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein thefirst material is a polymer and the second material is a polymer and thefirst material polymer has a higher density than the second materialpolymer.
 38. The method of claim 34, wherein forming the golf club headbody includes forming the first golf club head body portion and thesecond golf club head body portion via a two-shot molding process. 39.The method of claim 34, wherein coating substantially all of the golfclub head with the nano coating includes coating a front, a rear, acrown and a sole with the nano coating.
 40. A golf club head,comprising: a golf club head body having a first golf club head frontbody portion formed of a first material and a second golf club head rearbody portion formed of a second material different from the firstmaterial; wherein the first golf club head front body portion ispositioned adjacent the second golf club head rear body portion; and anano coating covering substantially all of the first golf club head bodyportion and the second golf club head body portion to provide anappearance of a golf club head formed of a single material.
 41. The golfclub head of claim 40, wherein the nano coating covers substantially allof a front, rear, crown and sole of the golf club head.
 42. The golfclub head of claim 40, wherein the polymer of the first material isdifferent from the polymer of the second material.
 45. The golf clubhead of claim 40, further including a weight member connected to firstgolf club head body portion and having the nano coating covering theweight member.
 46. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein the golf clubhead is a wood-type golf club head.
 47. The golf club head of claim 40,wherein the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head.
 48. The golfclub head of claim 40, further including a shaft connected to the golfclub head to form a golf club.
 49. The golf club head of claim 40,wherein the first golf club head front body portion forms a cup-facedportion having a hollow interior.
 50. The golf club head of claim 40,wherein the hollow interior of the first golf club head front bodyportion is at least partially coated with a nano coating.